Designated Off Leash Parks- HRM

Designated Off Leash Parks- HRM

We are a few weeks into the New Year now, and many of us have been working hard on our health-related resolutions after an over-indulgent holiday season (calories don’t count on holidays, right?). What about our furry companions though, where can they go to run off those extra treats and turkey that Aunt Shirley sneaked under the table? With the closure and opening of official off-leash parks around the HRM, we decided to give you a one stop list of where you can let your pup run while you huddle with your hot beverage.

Point Pleasant Park (PPP)- Halifax

This is still one of our favorite places in the city to take Erik. It’s right on the peninsula, with beautiful views, plenty of parking and a lay out that forces us to get some exercise too. The main trails are usually well maintained through the winter months, with signage indicating ones that are not. PPP offers a mix of on and off leash areas that are well marked, just keep in mind that dogs (even on leash) are only permitted on the main, Sailor Memorials, path from 5 am until 10 am.

Shubie Park- Dartmouth

When we want a change of scenery from Point Pleasant, Shubie is usually our go-to spot. We especially like it in the summer, as there is a nice freshwater beach where the dogs can swim and play. Even though it is next to the highway, it is a nice, tranquil park with beautiful paths that you could easily spend the entire day exploring. It can get pretty muddy at times, so pack a few extra towels.

We haven’t actually taken Erik to Hemlock Ravines, but have visited it sans-dog (shh, don’t tell him) and it is a lovely trail along the Bedford Basin. The times we have been, it doesn’t seem to get as busy as Shubie or PPP and has a good amount of parking space. This is a great place for a summer evening stroll.

Living in the North End, Fort Needham is another convenient location for us. It is never over crowded and offers gorgeous views of the city. However, if your dog tends to wonder too far, beware there are a few busy roads surrounding this park. The giant sports field is where you find most dog owners, but when in use there are a few smaller green spaces available on either side.

Another park that we have only visited without Erik, you will often find school groups and business people alike enjoying this space. It is a great escape in an otherwise busy area of downtown Dartmouth and only a short walk away from Sullivan’s Pond and the Alderney Landing Market (stop by to visit Barksworthy most Saturdays).

Halifax’s newest off-leash dog park is being completed in 2 phases, and according to this report, once completed will offer close to 3 acres of tree-lined and fenced space for dogs to run free. We have yet to visit this park that took over Seaview Memorial Park when it banned off-leash dogs, so would love to hear your reviews of the space.

Sandy Lake Park- Bedford

Sandy Lake Park is another park that we have yet to visit with or with out Mr. Barksworthy, but don’t let our lack of review stop you from checking it out for yourself. Let us know what you think!

There are a few other trails, parks and areas that many owners take their dogs off-leash that aren’t necessarily dedicated off-leash parks. We won’t include those on this list right now, but check back soon for another post, or feel free to ask around and let us know if there are any you’d like reviewed.

If you aren’t able to make it to any of the above parks, but still want to let your pooch run free, check out the list below for sports fields that offer off leash over the winter months (November 1, 2014- May 12015; 5am-10pm daily).